But, if so, why the air of secrecy?
The conversation with Mr. Melton that morning recurred to him. He pulled
his hat over his eyes, half turned in his seat, and, picking up a greasy
pack of cards that lay on the table began to lay them out before him as
in solitaire. But under the brim of his sombrero, his keen eyes stole
frequent glances at the two, who had now adjourned to a table in the
farther corner and were engaged in a low and earnest conversation.
The stranger had before him what seemed to be a diagram, drawn on the
back of an old envelope, and both studied it with care, Pedro especially,
as though seeking to engrave it on his memory. Then he nodded assent to
what the other had been saying, and they shook hands, evidently in
confirmation of a bargain. Once more they adjourned to the bar, gulped
down several glasses of the fiery liquor that masqueraded as whiskey,
and then Pedro, with a gesture of farewell, went outside. A moment later
Bert heard the clatter of hoofs as he rode away.
There was no further need of concealment, and with exceeding care Bert
studied the features of the man who he felt sure was involved in some
plan that boded no good to Pedro's employer.
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